EIGHT North-East dancers were given the rare chance to join a prestigious ballet company in their pre-performance ballet technique class.

The event, was created by the North East Dance Co-operative (NEDC), saw the dancers join the Russian State Ballet of Siberia (RSBOS) at the Darlington Hippodrome.

The chance to dance on stage was particularly extraordinary because the NEDC opened the opportunity to adult community dancers and pre-vocational students when usually such opportunities are reserved for pre-professional or working dancers.

Adult dance participant Jane, 30, said: “I am still pinching myself - I got to live out my childhood dream and experience the absolute best of the dance world.

"The company were so kind and welcoming.

"This was an incredible privilege that I will never forget.”

At the same time, dance fans enjoyed watching the whole class from the auditorium and the following extended rehearsal for that evening’s performance of The Sleeping Beauty.